AustLit

'The only weekly paper dealing exclusively with Vaudeville, Drama, Pictures, Circus, Parks, Fairs and kindred amusements of the Antipodean Show World.' Although the price increased, the size remained the same and there was no break in style or content between Australian Variety and Australian Variety and Show World. It continued with 'newsy notes', regular reviews of shows at specific theatres, critiques of current film releases, interstate and international notes, club and association reports (Musicians, Magicians, Vaudeville Artists, Tattersall's), and boxing and racing columns. It also continued the tradition of large Christmas editions, carrying seasons greetings – often in display form – from individual performers and companies. Joint publisher from August 1917 was Andy Kerr (the Coogee Bunyip), a leading bookmaker. The effects of war, paper shortages, and the influenza epidemic on business were noted. The magazine was still partially addressed to those in the know, including the racing 'Heads', the theatrical 'Chasers', 'Bondi Beach combers', and the residents of the theatrical boarding house 'Pacific Mansions', whose doings were recorded in cryptic references, nicknames, and innuendoes. This element declined as moving pictures became increasingly important, not least through their extensive advertising, and from early 1918, film censorship was a significant topic. In May 1920 (No.1043), the editor published an Open Letter to the Film Exchanges, declaring, 'We have looked the matter over from all angles, and we have decided to cast our lot with the buyers and sellers of the shadowy screen, and, from now on, we are with you heart and soul'.